10 Simple Steps To Start Your Own Repair Patio Door Business
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Local Patio Door Repairs Door Locks
Keeping your patio doors in good working order will help protect your home from unwanted intruders. The elements can cause misalignment or damage to the patio doors and their locks.
If your patio door lock does not work properly, you can make some basic repairs at home. These steps can fix issues with the handle, keyway, and latch.
Check the Lock
Patio doors are often targeted by burglars due to their huge amount of glass and convenient position within a home. It is important that your locks are working correctly to keep your home secure. There are easy ways to troubleshoot and fix patio door locks that aren't functioning properly.
The first step is to examine the lock to ensure nothing is hindering it from latching or locking. It is important to take care to address any issues you discover like loose screws or corrosion. In some instances, a small adjustment to the direction of the patio door lock repair near me door may suffice to solve the problem.
Another common issue is dust or debris that could cause the lock mechanism to cease functioning properly. Clean your patio door and wipe down the lock hardware frequently to avoid this. If needed, you can use a mild soap solution. However, make sure that you dry the lock completely afterward.
It is also a good idea to regularly oil your lock. The moving parts of your uPVC patio lock are similar to those found in a machine that is finely tuned. They can jam and become stuck like any other mechanical device. Using a graphite pencil or a light lubricant will help remove any dirt or debris that has collected inside the lock cylinder and keep it operating smoothly.
It is essential to know the exact dimensions of the patio door lock. This can help you find a replacement lock that aligns perfectly with your existing mechanism. If you are unsure about how to repair tilt and slide patio door to accomplish this, it's advisable to contact an expert locksmith or tradesperson for help.
Clean the Lock
The intricate parts of the door lock could become jammed because of dirt, dust and cold and hot weather. These issues can affect the security of your home. These issues are simple to solve if you know what to do.
Before making any repairs, clean your lock. Using a damp cloth, wipe away any stains or debris that might be hindering your lock from working correctly. Make use of hot soapy water and a bit of grit to clean the mechanism of your lock. After you've cleaned your locks, let them dry completely before re-using them.
Most patio doors are secured by mortise locking mechanisms. This is a safe lock, but it can also cause problems over time. If your uPVC locks have become stuck, it is important to clean and lubricate them. Begin by cleaning the latch with hot soapy water. Then, remove the screws that hold the body of the latch in the position. After removing the latch plate and handle and handle, you can then remove it from its slot on the door frame.
Once the latch is detached it is possible to lubricate the lock with an oil that is light in nature, such as WD40. If you don't own WD40 then a graphite pen can be used to eliminate dirt and grit off the mechanism. If your uPVC lock still doesn't work, you might need to reposition the lock cylinder. This requires additional tools and should be done by an expert. However, you can practice shifting the cylinder, without taking it from the door by closing and opening the door with the cylinder in the lock position, and then drawing pencil marks on the inside of the frame where the screws secure the cylinder.
Lubricate the Lock
If your lock is clean of debris and dirt It's the perfect time to lubricate your keyhole and locks themselves. The right lubricant will keep your lock in good shape and prolong its lifespan.
Dry graphite is a fantastic option to lubricate tiny metal parts, such as locks. It's oil-free and non-sticky. It also lasts longer than liquids. It's easy to apply and you can use it on sliding patio door lock repair doors, door hinges, and garage door tracks. Master locksmith Shawn Fago suggests using a pencil type graphite lubricant designed specifically for lock-cylinders.
Liquid lubricants work better than graphite, particularly in humid climates. Silicone lubricants are resistant to water and do not attract dust and dirt as much as other liquid fluids. They are effective at both low and high temperatures. Some silicone lubricants can build up over time, and can displace other lubricants you've tried.
Teflon oil can be an ideal substitute for silicone lubricants, since they are long-lasting and do not attract dust or dirt. They're also good for cold climates since they'll prevent ice from building up inside the lock.
If the lock cylinder you have is stiff and difficult to turn, then it's likely to be worn out. It will need to replaced. A professional locksmith will take apart the lock mechanism and install the cylinder of a new model that matches the keys you have. They can also make repairs and modifications to existing locking mechanisms. A professional can install a new lock cylinder in case your door does not have one. This will improve safety and security. They can also install new lock faceplates on your patio door that are in keeping with the rest.
Reposition the Lock Cylinder
If cleaning and lubricating the door do not work, then the issue could be due to the latch on the door isn't aligned properly with the jamb or frame. Open the sliding patio door and take a look upwards and downwards at the opening for the latch. If the door is aligned with the frame or jamb then you can test. If not you can loosen the screws that hold the latch body and adjust it upwards or downwards until the latch is able to catch the latch's hasp with a tight snap when the door is shut.
Sometimes, the latch is difficult to close because of a worn-out cylinder. You'll need a replacement cylinder if the worn one is making it difficult to turn the key. It is recommended to select a cylinder with the same keyway and size as the previous one. This will allow you to change it quickly by unbolting the two halves and putting in the new cylinder.
Many home improvement stores sell replacement cylinders. You'll be required to know the name and model of your current cylinder to be able to purchase one that matches it. If you don't have the manufacturer or model number you can take a photograph of the cylinder as well as its mounting screws and head to the hardware store for assistance.
Once you have a new cylinder, unscrew the flat screw that is holding it in place and remove the escutcheon plate. Remove the lock cylinder, escutcheon and door frame with a screwdriver. Put the screw somewhere safe so you aren't able to lose it. Then, loosen the set screw on the cylinder's keep (the metal part that fits into the rectangular cutout of the door) and let it loose enough to rotate the cylinder.
Replace the Lock
A patio door lock repairs door lock that's not functioning properly can be an extremely risk to security. It's not unusual for dirt and other particles to get lodged inside the lock's mechanisms however if the issue isn't dealt with quickly enough the lock could eventually fail and stop providing security. Replacing the patio door lock is a easy DIY project that requires just a few tools and little time.
Begin by examining the lock to see what's causing the issue. If cleaning and lubrication don't aid, the latch may be too bent to work properly. If this is the case, you should replace the lock latch with a mortise locking system to ensure that it's as strong and secure as you can.
If you aren't comfortable tackling this DIY task yourself contact a locksmith or door hardware expert to help you with the installation of the new lock. They will have the experience and tools to complete the task properly and ensure that the new lock is compatible with your patio door.
Maintaining your patio door lock in good working condition is a matter of routine maintenance. Check that the knobs and handle aren't loose and if they're tighten them as required. Lubricate your lock at least once a year to avoid it getting stuck or becoming stiff. Locks that are exposed to extreme use or temperatures should be lubricated regularly. The type of lubricant you use is vital, so be sure to choose one that's specifically designed for use with locks (GT85 or WD-40's Specialist Anti Friction Dry PTFE). For best results apply the lubricant directly to the key hole of the lock mechanism.